Photographers interested in entering either the Professional or Open categories, with top awards of US$25,000 and US$5000, respectively, will need to have the submissions in to the organisation no later than 11.59pm (GMT), January 4, 2012.

A respected industry panel, including curator and writer Susan Bright and Jon Jones, Director of Photography for the Sunday Times Magazine, will judge the entries.

All shortlisted and finalist images will be exhibited at the World Photo event in at Somerset House and the winners will go on to be shown around the globe.

The competition has been a significant launch pad for many past winners, including this year’s L’Iris d’Or winner, Argentinean Alejandro Chaskielberg.

“The Sony World Photography Awards has had an important effect on my career, and since winning the award my work has been published worldwide,” says Chaskielberg.

New Zealand is no stranger to the competition, below are some examples of kiwi images submitted for the 2012 event – for more info on submitting check the competition website.